R-507 Programmable Field Strength Meter - Z Technology · R-507 Programmable Field Strength Meter R-507 Field Strength Meter with optional UHF antenna NIST traceable field strength

R-507 Programmable Field

Strength Meter

R-507 Field Strength Meter with optional UHF antenna NIST traceable field strength measurement of analog or digital signals Includes Windows™ application software for swept spectrum display and signal strength time plotting Programmed operation from front panel or attached Windows™ PC Direct Readout in dBm, dBuV, or dBuV/m when used with a calibrated antenna Broad Frequency Coverage: 5 MHz to 1000 MHz, with options for AM Broadcast and GSM frequencies Factory calibrated for operation over a wide range of temperatures, frequencies, and power levels Internal Preamp and Auto-Selection of RF Input Filters Battery or AC Operated

The R-507 allows a user the choice of self-contained field strength meter operation or fully programmed operation with the added power of the supplied Windows™ application software. The R-507 is both portable and programmable. It may be operated directly from the front panel in portable applications. Convenient operational setups provide rapid access with direct readout under difficult environmental conditions without the need for AC power or user recalibration. Using the supplied Z Technology Windows™ Swept Spectrum application, the R-507 can display on a PC screen, signal strength versus frequency for any 5 MHz, 10 MHz or 20 MHz band between 5 and 1000 MHz. This spectrum display allows visual identification of channel occupancy throughout a band and is very useful in the discovery of any interfering signals. It is also useful in analyzing digitally modulated signals such as ATSC/DTV, DVB-T, DAB and GSM. By simply entering the bandwidth to be measured, an operator can directly measure total received power in dBm or dBuV, directly on the PC display. The R-507 may be used to evaluate signal coverage across a service area, analyzing signal strength at specific locations, surveying sites for new antenna construction and making precise industry-required NIST traceable field strength measurements. The R-507 is an excellent unit for

those needing to characterize or maintain both analog and digital RF wireless communications and Broadcast systems. The R-507 expands the Z Technology product line of cost effective test instrumentation with a rugged, portable unit designed for the professional user. Connected with a serial cable to your laptop PC, the R-507 becomes an integral part of a convenient, automatic data collection and storage system.

R-507 Spectrum Display of off-air DTV signal

The R-507 includes a unique interactive software program that allows a PC to synchronously control the instrument’s swept spectrum feature and display measured signal levels on the PC screen. The PC display refreshes up to 2 times per second offering a near-real-time display of spectrum over a frequency span of 5 MHz, 10 MHz, or 20 MHz. The vertical axis may be displayed in dBm, dBuV or dBuV/meter when antenna factors are entered for a calibrated antenna. The horizontal axis is calibrated in frequency around the selected center frequency. Using the Windows™ based application; a user can easily control basic setup features for the instrument including operating frequency, RF AMP on/off, IF Bandwidth, and attenuator settings. Cursors marking the measurement band edges can be set by the user to define the band over which the power in a digital signal is measured. Received power in this band is then calculated and resulting total integrated power is displayed on the PC. Tilt and notches for the same band can also be measured and displayed. The Windows™ application allows a user to plot signal strength over time and to record measured parameters such as frequency or channel number,

Plot of Integrated Power vs. Time power readings, tilt and notches to a data file. In the spectrum display mode, the application provides accurate measurements for digitally modulated signals plus the ability to visually analyze signals being received over a band of interest. An option is available to record GPS Latitude/ Longitude fixes and generate output files for signal strength mapping in Microsoft MapPoint™.

Option STR provides high-speed capture of intermittent

signals. Several options are available for special applications, including a high speed streaming mode (Option STR). This provides valuable signal strength vs. time information to capture signals present for as little as 5 mS. Field Strength Meter Operation: Basic frequency coverage is from 5 to 1000 MHz, and options are available for calibrated measurements of AM Broadcast and GSM signals. The R-507 utilizes a digitally encoded TUNE knob for front panel frequency selection. Step sizes available are 100, 10, and 1 MHz, and 100, 10, and 1 kHz. The frequency of operation is continuously

displayed while the digit under control of the TUNE knob is highlighted. The system is fully synthesized and highly stable using a precise TCXO crystal reference. The R-507 accurately measures signals from –10 dBuV to +90 dBuV. The full dynamic range of 100 dB is available through a combination of the front panel RF AMP control and an internal auto-ranging function. The RF AMP (internal preamp) is an integral part of the instrument. It is preceded by one of a series of internal RF Filters that are automatically controlled to minimize out-of-band signal susceptibility. The R-507 features digital readout of field strength with the frequency being monitored and front panel button status indicated on a large LCD display. The unit offers internal memory recall and LCD display of 100 user defined frequencies. The display can be backlit for operating in low ambient light. Using the FUNCTION button to make a selection, signal strength can be displayed in dBuV, dBm, or dBuV/meter when using a calibrated and traceable antenna (not included) with manufacturer provided antenna factors. Test and Measurement Package

Spectrum Display Application Installed on a User’s PC The R-507 programmable field strength meter includes a Windows™ application to provide a spectrum display and plot signal strength over time on the user’s PC. Several options are available to give a user the unique ability to create a specialized measurement system.

Microsoft MapPoint-USA™ Plot of an RF field strength

data captured along with Option GPS Location data As an example, a measurement ‘package’ might be created with the R-507 Spectrum Display Software running on a Windows™ based PC connected to the R-507 via a serial port. With Option GPS, GPS location data is recorded into the application file from a GPS receiver connected to the PC’s USB port. The user’s PC becomes a controller gathering RF field strength data from the R-507 and location data from the GPS receiver. Once field strength and location data is in clear text files, it can be imported into Microsoft MapPoint™ (currently available for North America and Europe) to provide a plot of RF signal strength at identified measurement locations. The programmability of the R-507, along with its included application software provides the basis of a sophisticated NIST traceable RF measurement system for analog and digital signals. The R-507 Programmable Field Strength Meter from Z Technology is a modern, time-saving system product for the engineer qualifying and maintaining over-the-air transmission systems.

R-507 Programmable Field Strength Meter Specifications:Frequency Coverage: 5 MHz to 1000 MHz Contiguous

Tuning Method: Detent TUNE knob controls precise phase locked loop synthesized tuning.

Pushing TUNE knob changes tuning steps from 100 MHz/step down to 1 kHz/step.

Front Panel Display: Large 64 x 128 pixel graphics LC display with controlled back lighting.

Internal User Memory: TUNE knob controlled

a) MEMORY button recalls 100 user selectable frequencies. b) FREQ/CH allows fast tuning to local television channels.

Measurement Range: dBuV Mode: -10 dBuV to +90 dBuV dBm Mode: -117 dBm to -17 dBm Utilizes auto-range plus front panel RF AMP controlled gain setting.

Standard Measurement Accuracy: +/-2 dB @ 25 o C +/-10 o C Typical: Swept Mode and Temperature = 0 to +50 o C

IF Bandwidth: 15 kHz (6 pole) and 150 kHz. See Options for other bandwidths. RF Input Filters: Automatically Selected 1) 400 to 1000 MHz 2) 5.0 to 400 MHz 3) 5.0 to 30 MHz

Type of Conversion: Triple conversion system 1st LO frequency: 1 to 2 GHz.

Reference Oscillator Stability: Internal TCXO Ref; 1st & 2nd LO typ. stable +/-1ppm over temp.

Image Rejection: 60 dB typical, High Sensitivity mode.

Detuning Characteristics: 40 dB typical; for undesired signal 2x IF BW away from center freq.

Third Order Intercept: Preamp ON typ. 0 dBm Preamp OFF +20 dBm.

Noise Figure: Preamplifier NF = 7 dB typical when RF AMP is selected.

Input Impedance: 50 ohms.

Audio Detection: AM or FM to internal speaker selected from front panel. Rear panel connection for remote.

Sensitivity: FM detector:1uV for 12dB SINAD typ. AM detector:1uV for 12dB S/N typ.

Measurement Resolution: 0.1 dB.

Output Linearity Range: Continuous measurement range: 80dB

Serial Port Control: Interfaces with a PC allowing R-507 to be used in swept spectrum mode.

Operating Temperature: 0 o C to +50 o C

Weight: 4.5 Kg (10 lbs).

Dimensions: 3.5 x 9 x 8.4 in (H x D x W) 89 x 229 x 213 mm

Supplied Accessories: • Internal Rechargeable Batteries • AC power supply/charger • Soft carrying case • Uncalibrated utility antenna • Instruction manual • Windows™ Spectrum Display Software with Time Plotting.

Ordering Information R-507 Programmable Field Strength Meter with Windows™ Spectrum Display and Time Plot Software Application Options: Option STR: High Speed Streaming Mode Plotting Option GPS: Capture GPS Data. Includes GPS receiver Option NB1: 13 kHz @ 6 dB NB IF Option WB1: 200 kHz @ 3 dB WB IF

Accessories: BC-BCB: 0.3 to 3.0 MHz Block Converter BC-PCS: 1750 to 1980 MHz Block Converter BC-PCS-2: 1980 to 2500 MHz Block Converter TV-1: Calibrated Tuned Dipole Antenna, 57 – 219 MHz TV-2: Calibrated Tuned Dipole Antenna, 325 – 1000 MHz AA-TV SET: Calibrated Tuned Dipole Antenna Set for VHF

and UHF Television Channels, with Calibrated Cable, Antenna Bracket, and Hard Carrying Case

This product is manufactured in the USA by Z Technology, Inc., and carries a 1-year warranty. For additional information please contact the factory.

1815 NW 169th Place, Suite 3070, Beaverton, OR 97006 USA Ph: 503-614-9800 Fax: 503-614-9898 www.ztechnology.com

Printed March 2004, Data subject to change without notice